Masters of the Universe

It might have the power, but the feature adaptation of Masters of the Universe lacks the brains to match its brawn.

The latest attempt to dust off some action-figure IP and cinematically reposition it for a new generation mostly aims for the Barbie strategy of meta storytelling — blurring the lines between fantasy and reality with a cheesy, self-deprecating vibe.

However, the film doesn’t fully commit to that approach, embracing the cartoonish nature of the source material while also delivering requisite epic, effects-driven spectacle and blandly affectionate nostalgia. As directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee), the result is a stylish yet uneven He-Man origin story that feels assembled by committee.

Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) is a pint-sized, socially awkward nerd in the kingdom of Eternia. As heir to the throne, he hopes to one day follow in the footsteps of Man-at-Arms (Idris Elba) to keep the peace.

However, after evil nemesis Skeletor (played with sadistic glee by Jared Leto) decimates his family in hopes of securing the Sword of Power, young Adam and the sword are transported via a portal to Oklahoma City, of all places.

Fifteen years later, he’s misplaced his weapon and works a low-level office job to make ends meet. Eventually, he’s tracked down by childhood crush Teela (Camila Mendes), now a warrior herself.

During his adventure, Adam summons the courage to use the sword in becoming He-Man, also learning worthwhile lessons of nobility, strength, courage, and self-discovery. But to conquer Skeletor, he’ll need to assemble a cross-species team of ragtag avengers.

The film is visually striking, with dynamic creature designs and intricately choreographed swashbuckling. Galitzine (The Idea of You) conveys a beefy mix of charming naivete and sincere determination.

It generates some scattered laughs, along with an adrenaline rush during Adam’s obligatory “I have the power” transformation sequence — reinforcing a hero philosophy rooted in old-school masculinity.

However, the screenplay doesn’t enhance or improve upon the mythology in any meaningful way. When it should have been snappy and efficient, it bogs down in a needlessly convoluted final-act redemption arc in which the conflicting narrative priorities leave most of the film’s “masters” as throwaway sidekicks intended to grease the wheels for a potential sequel.

By the end, Masters of the Universe should have leaned into its best bit instead of turning it into a plot device or a marketing tool. Just take a sword to the script instead.

Rated PG-13, 140 minutes.